Roger Ball! is a biography of US Navy legend John Monroe “Hawk”
Smith, his soul mate and wife “Miss Jenny”, and their adopted son as
they made way through over thirty years of first their upbringing,
their chance meeting and wonderful courtship, marriage, and their
combined focus for a successful, rich career in naval aviation with
all its engagement with extended family.

When I first saw the book’s title “Roger Ball!” I had an impulsive
urge to read it. My learning of the naval aviation usage of the
saying "Roger Ball" stems from enjoying the movie Top Gun. Early
into the opening, there is a scene depicting an F-14 Tomcat fighter
pilot with call sign Cougar on glide slope for landing on an
aircraft carrier. The Landing Signal Officer aboard the ship
exclaims, “Roger Ball” and soon thereafter the fighter’s arresting
hook snares the arresting cable to bring the jet to a full halt on
the flightdeck. Hence, a book with the title “Roger Ball!” is
dead-on for locking on my impulsive interest.

The author, retired Navy Captain Donald E. “Duck” Auten, flew Navy
attack jets and jet fighters for several years all the while making
tailhook arrested landings on and catapult launches off of US Navy
aircraft carriers all around the globe, day and night, calm weather
and severe. He even had the exhilarating job as aggressor pilot
playing the role of bandit for mock dogfights with fighter pilots
sharpening their aerial warrior skills. His own outstanding Navy
career is testament to his own courage and commitment to being a
naval aviator and all who contributed to making him such from the
very beginning and throughout his career. He worked closely with
hundreds of Navy professionals at all levels of each organization in
which he served. As was he, others keeping them on course to
success mentored each of them to varying degrees. Yet, often there
comes along a leader who particularly stands out, and for Don Auten
and many of his peers, that legendary leader is naval aviator John
Monroe Smith, call sign “Hawk”.

As author Donald Auten explains, “Roger Ball!” is the clipped
transmission the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) who is stationed at
the stern of the aircraft carrier makes. The LSO exclaims to the
pilot of an aircraft as he or she commences his or her final
approach to the deck of a carrier, “Roger Ball”, a verbal
confirmation that the LSO has sight of the aircraft, that it is in
the proper configuration for landing, and within parameters to
continue the approach to successful recovery on the flightdeck. In
naval aviation lexicon “Roger Ball!” most simply means, “You’re
looking good. Keep it coming!”

John Monroe “Hawk” Smith dreamed during his adolescence and young
adult years of the 1950s of earning the coveted US Navy wings of
gold. He did ultimately do so during the early 1960s, first as a
radar intercept officer (RIO), and then ultimately earning wings as
a fighter pilot. Author Donald Auten takes the reader through each
phase of all “Hawk’s” thirty years involving tours in the cockpit to
his significant contributions of leadership and command, including
the shaping and development of TOPGUN.

Tom Wolfe describes in his book titled “The Right Stuff” that there
is a vital and unique combination of skills a fighter pilot must
simultaneously possess … the stuff … to successfully
negotiate through the demanding regime of mental calculus, emotional
focus and ranges of compression, and physical challenges for winning
in the air combat arena on a sustained, repeated basis. Author
Donald Auten explains in great, intriguing detail the arduous flying
curriculum, allies’ coalition military air combat exercises, and
Naval Air Force deployments marking “Hawk” as owning that rare
stuff.

It is intriguing to learn about the mix of ingredients that tempered
Hawk’s mettle through growing up playing competitive, arduous,
exhausting, exerting sports, including motorcycle racing, doing well
in academics, working hard for cash, and stepping up to serve
voluntarily whenever needed.

Roger Ball! Illuminates that a successful Navy career predominantly
requires a strong home front. This support for high probability of
career success and actualization author Donald Auten addresses
through writing about the delicate balancing of family and career.
These naval aviation careers require months, possibly years of
separation from the home front, with very real potential for fatal
demise or serious injury.

Author Donald Auten takes us to the late 1960s when aeronautical
engineers in the free world and behind the Soviet Union’s iron
curtain rolled out variable-sweep wing fighters and bombers. Their
wings swept in and out to change the geometry of the aircraft to
meet changes in aerodynamic requirements to win aerial combat fights
or extending range for dropping bombs on target. These designs
expanded the scope of air combat significantly, as the wing designs
allowed high swept-back maneuverability, yet fuel efficient
extended-wing lift for cruise or loiter time. The United States
produced the FB-111 and B-1 bombers for its Air Force and the F-14
Tomcat fighter jet for its Navy. Meanwhile a collaboration of
Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy produced the Tornado, and the
Soviet Union the MiG 23 and MiG 27. Roger Ball takes the reader to
those overwhelming times when aeronautics, politics, and budgets
intertwined to meet a stark reality that aerial combat success
required a whole host of new shrewd and complex tactics and
strategies.

As a civilian, I have flown twice aboard Navy C-2 Greyhound
turboprop aircraft out to sea to land or “trap” on aircraft carriers
underway. Until reading Roger Ball! I did not fully appreciate the
dynamics of the pilot and Landing Signal Officer in getting our
plane down on the flightdeck in one piece. I had taken the role of
the Landing Signal Officer for granted. My understanding was that a
pilot essentially flew down to the flightdeck using his or her
visual acuity to line up on the lens system radiating up from the
aircraft carrier’s stern to bring the aircraft in for a ‘trap’ on
the flight deck. Now I know that “recovery” of aircraft to a carrier
is a ‘my life depends on you’ dialogue of verbal instructions or
orders, and intuition between the pilot and LSO. My uninformed
perception had been that LSOs are essentially a back-up system to
simply aid the pilot, but primarily it was all on the pilot. I did
not appreciate the magnitude of differential equations each LSO’s
mind must run on each approach to viscerally put a pilot into the
glide slope that earned the significance of calling “Roger Ball!”
Adding to that set of demanding requirements of the LSO is the
environment of daylight, dawn and dusk, nighttime, rain, snow, wind,
and sea states, plus being physically, mentally, and maybe
emotionally draining each minute out there on post. I’ve been out
there on an aircraft carrier’s flight deck both during catapult
launches and arresting hook recoveries. Despite the tight-fitting
goggles, cooked jet fuel residue found its way past the seals and
made my eyes stream with water. I cannot imagine hours on end of my
eyes being subjected to those stinging conditions.

Roger Ball is a must-read book yielding a harvest of appreciation
for the men and women who serve in all services of the US armed
forces and its allies.

Donald “Duck” Auten is the author of “Roger Ball”, a captivating
book covering the career of an exceptional Naval aviator and leader,
John Monroe “Hawk” Smith, Captain, USN (Ret). “Roger Ball” captures
and presents a comprehensive, personal narrative spanning the many
training and development phases in the molding of a remarkable Navy
pilot, officer, and leader, “Hawk” Smith.

As a former Naval officer, reading “Roger
Ball” allowed me to again experience, through “Hawk’s” eyes and
emotions, the many facets of life that comprise the close-knit world
of Naval aviation, both in war and in peace.

I liked how “Hawk’s” traits of dedication,
integrity, and courage of convictions were to become his moral
compasses throughout the book. Bottom line: If you want to become a
part of the world of Naval aviation, then “Roger Ball” is your book.
I highly recommend it as an addition to any reader’s library.

William Kemp, USN (Retired)

*****

“Duck” Auten
has crafted a masterpiece in Roger Ball! To those of us who
were fortunate enough to know and learn from Monroe “Hawk” Smith and
his beloved Miss Jenny, this “can’t-put-down” saga is a perfectly
focused look into the heart and soul of a great American and an
outstanding leader. Between the lines, “Hawk’s” tactical prowess,
courage under fire, and loyalty to his profession serve as an
example to us all, now and going forward.

“Hawk” lived
and breathed turnin’ and burnin’ and he made some excellent
ball-flyers even better, all because he was and is completely and
consummately dedicated to Naval Aviation. “Hawk’s” absolute
commitment to doing it right the first time, every time, and keeping
it fun all the time, created a generation of highly
successful fighter aircrews who are forever indebted to “Hawk” for
showing them how to fly, fight, and win…and take care of the
talented Sailors who make it all happen.

The TOPGUN
mantra, courtesy of General Adolf Galland, sums it all up…”Only the
spirit of attack, born in a brave heart, will bring success to any
fighter aircraft, no matter how highly developed it may be.”

Thanks
“Duck”…Bravo Zulu! We love ya “Hawk” and Miss Jenny for your spirit,
bravery, and leading the way!

Mike Denkler,
Captain, USN (Retired)

TOPGUN
Instructor 1982-84

29 June 2010

*****

When I was a kid my Grandmother’s house was situated in the approach
pattern for NAS Norfolk and I grew up with my eyes glued to the sky.
I lived and breathed airplanes and thought the men who flew them
were truly larger than life. One of those men was a close high
school friend of my parents, my “Uncle John” Smith, and although I
never really saw all that much of him, I certainly got an earful
around the supper table—some truths certainly, some lies probably,
but all the stuff of legend.

Fast forward 30 years and imagine my delight at finally getting my
hands on a copy of Roger Ball. I was thrilled to learn more
about Uncle John and his colorful career in naval aviation (is there
any other kind?), but ultimately I took away so much more. Through
Donald Auten’s gifted narrative, I got to revisit a time and place I
had too little appreciation for when I was there, I got a sense of
what it was like at the controls of some of the greatest aircraft of
the 20th century, and I got to see how one man, true to
himself and firm in his convictions, can make a lasting difference.

I also came to understand that there are certain timeless tenants in
leadership that some people just “get” while others learn them
through slow, often painful experience, if at all. John Smith got
them. Much of what is hailed as “best practice” in business and
government today just made good sense to John 40 years ago. The cast
of characters that parade through the pages of Roger Ball are
case studies in leadership style: what works and why, what fails and
how. I hadn’t picked up Roger Ball to find career
inspiration, but it was there nonetheless, and I could almost hear
John chuckling to himself.

From Pensacola to the Mediterranean and across the wide Pacific,
Roger Ball offers vivid moments of determination, exhilaration,
panic, calculation, and pride. Anyone with an interest in naval
aviation, a love of history, or an appreciation for the dynamics of
leadership and motivation will be amply rewarded in its pages.
Moreover, I guarantee they’ll be highly entertained!

JC McDonough

Glenelg, MD

May 2010

*****

When hearing of
my interest in true stories of war, airplanes and 'Fly Boys' I
always get a remark like "That's unusual for a woman!". Perhaps my
love of those things can be explained by having had a father who, in
WWll as a B-25 pilot with the USAF, was killed on a day in the
Pacific in April, 1944 known as 'Black Sunday'.

When reading
the story of John Monroe 'Hawk' Smith one comes away with the
understanding that this is a flesh and blood man who is not only a
figure of near mythical proportions in the pantheon of Naval Pilots,
but is one who has also become a living Icon. In reading about his
leadership skills, the changes he brought about and the way in which
the Navy now deals with some of the policies he brought to bear, as
well as the respect with which he is generally regarded among his
'brothers', it seems very much deserved. His loyalty and bravery
stand out, as does his allegiance to our Flag and to our Nation as
well as to his fellow Naval brothers, regardless of station and
rank.

In reading
about some of the sorties he and others flew, the author has the
ability to bring the reader into the action, capturing the smells
and sights so that they leap off the pages and into our senses!
Some to be sure are heart stopping, some are achingly tragic, but
others are also so humorous that it makes the reader laugh out loud!
The author paints beautiful pictures with his words.

It is obvious
to this reader that this is a community of large and fragile egos,
with genuine love, loyalty and respect not only to this Nation, but
steadfastly to each other! It brings to bear that we are damned
lucky to have this caliber of youngster willing to love their
country enough to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we may remain
a free Nation! We owe them a real debt of gratitude and I for one,
salute them, and believe they are TRULY genuine heroes!

I'm indeed
very grateful that the author brought them to life on these pages!
A GREAT READ of the first order!"

Ms. Mary Lee Rogers,

Nashville, TN

5 March, 2010

*****

Full disclosure reveals that I have read and submit this review of
Roger Ball! as a non-aviator and a civilian who has no military
service history. My perspective is outside the box of subject
familiarity, but inside the envelope of passionate interest in naval
aviation over many decades. I lived and worked in Peru and South
Africa for a number of years at NASA-funded satellite tracking
facilities. During those years I began a project to build a large
model of USS Enterprise CVAN-65. The model and eighty-five embarked
aircraft ended up at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum,
donated and set-up in 1982 (and maintained continuously thereafter)
by me. I was a one-man show engaged in the complexity of a modern
aircraft carrier. It's been done, but not by many.

It was John Monroe Smith and Capt. C.C. Smith Jr. who gave me my
first look during a full week visit in late February 1975 aboard
Enterprise during the turbulent cruise which endured the
'thump-bang' mystery of F-14 engine breakup, and the heartbreaking
loss of South Vietnam in April 1975. It was Hawk who escorted me to
the LSO platform for the view of a lifetime. It was Hawk who engaged
in small talk with a non-flier. It was Hawk who responded in 1980
after I saw him on ABC's 20/20 discussing the Black Lions and the
continuing challenges of coaxing the F-14 to become the best it was
designed to be. It was Hawk who compelled me to join Tailhook
Association, of which I've been an associate member for nearly 30
years. And, it was Hawk who just recently recalled who I was after
our first meeting in the South China Sea in 1975, 32 years later.

I have a concept of heroism. A hero is one who has everything to
lose, everyone to expose the pain of his loss, and yet goes about a
dangerous profession, year in and year out, STICKS to his mission in
the face of possible and sudden evisceration, held by a thread to
life by skill, cunning, luck and dedication. That's a hero. Not the
rock star, nor a politician, rarely a multi-billionaire. Heroes are
found within the level and vertical battlefields of wars mostly, and
also among those with the dedication to improve the humanity of man
in places where hostility lurks; in countries, boardrooms,
firehouses, anywhere that character is essential and practiced, and
bold actions are taken selflessly, persistently, at great personal
risk.

The world might have lost Hawk on many occasions, and we would have
to subtract from our experiences all that he contributed during his
fortunate long career and great influence as expressed by so many.
Donald Auten faced the same level of risk across his own thousands
of hours of Navy flying. We would lose the gripping story herein
told had he not had the full benefit of a life longer lived.

I enjoyed every line, every encapsulated story, the sum of which was
a fabric of adventure and an honorable life well lived managing the
incredible machinery, the fickle nature of human relations within
the ranks, the meddling politicians -both the effective and the
intrusive - with sticky noses, the humorous and the humorless, the
endurance of Miss Jenny, all put together in a tale of high
adventure and much about a very important survival component of our
national security.

I dare not critique specifics about navy flying, for after all, my
aviation experience is limited to taking the stick of my brother's
85 hp Luscombe over the eastern Colorado range and some of the
mountain terrain - with my pilot-brother alongside. And yes, perhaps
I know a little bit about airplanes and ships. Just permit me to say
that this non-flier knows as well as he can the story herein told,
even without the Wings of Gold proudly worn by those who know the
story all too well.

Well done, Duck. Well done, Hawk. It is an honor bestowed on me to
be given a chance to see the little I've seen, and read as richly as
experienced by those who have seen much. Thank you, gentlemen, all.

And PS: You need a sequel, we want to read more. I know the material
is there!

Steve Henninger

Designer/Builder of Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Model
Tailhook Member

*****

"This is an excellent book that works on
many levels. It is a story of a man’s journey through an eventful
navel career with an in-depth look at what it takes to be a fighter
pilot. It is a broad history of the Navy’s fighter program from
being primarily a straight-and-level intercept aircraft in the mid
60s, through developing air combat maneuver training in the late 60s
and the introduction of the F-14 Tomcat in the early 70s."

“… author Donald E. Auten (a naval aviator
himself) does an outstanding job of putting the reader in the
cockpit. His descriptions of flying Navy aircraft in both aerial
combat and carrier environments are without parallel. His knowledge
of the Navy has allowed him to write with an authority usually not
seen in a biography of this type. "

“Here’s the bottom line. If you
were at Miramar during the 70’s, you need to read this book. If you
ever ran across “Hawk” Smith anytime during your career, you need to
read this book. If you were ever in the cockpit, you’ll find
yourself there again—if not, you’ll feel like you are there and know
what it is to fly air combat maneuvers.”

Reviewed by Command Jan Jacobs, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired)

For U.S. Naval Institute, Proceedings; March 2007

*****

"Roger Ball", Donald
Auten's biography of John Monroe "Hawk" Smith, belongs on every
Naval Aviation shelf. I got it on a Friday and couldn't put it
down until I finished on Monday. Auten is an exceptional writer
and a gifted wordsmith. I can't recall a recent book that did
such a great job of putting me in the cockpit. As an author, I
often paused during the story just to admire the flow of the
words.

ReviewedbyJohnFry

Editor,AssociationofNavalAviation

San Diego Squadron for Vol. I,
No. 2, April 2007 Edition

*****

I don't normally buy new books but when I saw
"Roger Ball" on Amazon.com I couldn't wait to place my order. I
wanted to see if anyone could capture Captain John Monroe "Hawk"
Smith on the written page. Don Auten comes close to not only
capturing Hawk, but also in describing the rigors of Indoc, Navy
Flight Training, carrier operations and the cockpit dynamics,
excitement and G forces of a combat fighter engagement.

This is a "must read" for not only all fighter
jocks, but for all men and women who wear the coveted "Wings of
Gold". For those who have not experienced the pleasure, pain and
terror of a Marine Drill Instructor or night carrier landings,
you can experience it vicariously in Duck's book "Roger Ball".
Thanks for the memories Duck and Hawk.

I wish everyone could know Hawk and Miss Jenny.
God 'tore up the pattern' when He made those two--and it was a
grand pattern.

Chuck "Cowboy" Long

A-4 Super Fox Pilot

Captain, USNR (Retired)

15 July 2006

*****

As a former Assistant Sales Manager, Alaska
Sector, for Pan American Airlines, I found "Roger Ball!"
a great read. The bush pilots and TOPGUN Instructors have
much in common. A must read for anyone interested in the
history of military aviation and the men who paved the way!

Ms. Dorothea Sullivan

Vancouver, Wa

28 July 2006

*****

"Roger Ball" is a magnificent read
about a great and distinguished "life well lived." John Monroe
Smith is a living legend in Naval Aviation: an all American boy
living his dream...a dream of becoming the best fighter pilot
and carrier aviator in the Navy. He succeeded in being the
best in a way that only one with unbridled passion, fierce
commitment, boundless energy, unconditional dedication and
relentless resolve can experience.

If you had the honor and privilege
of being part of carrier aviation, "Roger Ball" brings it all
back: the thrill of the first cat shot and arrested landing;
that special aroma of JP-5, hydraulic fluid, canopy cleaner and
grease; the long hours of Alert 5's; the FCLPs; the SDO, IWO and
Boat Officer; ACM with many Fox 1s and Fox2; the leadership
challenges of dealing with wayward sailors and senior leaders
who were the best and worst; the commitment to persevere in
spite of all odds at sea and ashore; the sacrifice of family and
shipmates; the satisfaction of being part of something much
bigger than self; and the many memories of hearing those special
words, especially on a dark, rainy night, blue water ops-"Roger
Ball."

From a shipmate, friend and one who
holds Hawk in great admiration, and with respect and gratitude.

Ed Allen

Rear Admiral, USN (Retired)

16 August 2006

*****

Bravo! Fantastic! The good, the bad and the ugly!
Realistic, authentic, no holds barred. Detailed, down to
earth! A true fighter pilot - proud, courageous, and all
Navy!

The chief beauty in this odyssey of
John Monroe "Hawk" Smith lies not so much in its tribute to a
pioneering Navy fighter pilot, or in the literary style, as in its
simple understanding of the wonderment of naval carrier aviation.
Hawk was a damn good naval officer with the exceptional character
and leadership skills to become a legend by catapulting his
profession into the "strike-fighter" 21st century. Hawk was a "cut
above", whose selfless desire was to become the best role model and
achiever in developing the concept of "fight and win." His
achievements were unprecedented, and the reader will learn not only
the true enjoyment and excitement of all aspects of the carrier
aviation profession but, most importantly, the lessons of superb
leadership in a most demanding and dangerous profession. Hawk is a
national treasure and the reader will marvel at his commitment and
innovation in making naval carrier aviation the most lethal and
formidable air combat force in the world.

This book ought to be required
reading for those who seek to learn about a true patriot who
understands the principles on which our great Navy aviation fleet
has been built, along with experiencing the breathtaking,
dynamic hops in ultimate flying machines.

This book is one of the best of
its kind!

Jack "Stinger" Ready

Vice Admiral, USN (Retired)

14 August 2006

*****

"Roger Ball!" gets an OK 3
UNDERLINED in ANY LSO's book!

A SUPERB job capturing a large part of Naval
Aviation and how things were done in the 1960's through the
90's. All the many aspects of life in the Navy are captured and
explained in such a way that anyone - military or civilian - can
understand it. What truly impressed Brenda and me was all the
different view points Duck used and how well the storyline
is woven together. We get to see things from the cockpit, back
& front seat; the briefing room, stateroom, home plate with
Ms. Jenny's views, Ass't Maintenance officers desk, LSO
platform, Ready Room, XO/CO desk/office, a variety of Naval Air
stations and aircraft carriers, liberty ports and operating
areas in many parts of the world! WELL DONE!!!!!!!

Duck has done a GREAT
job of capturing Hawk's innermost thoughts and feelings and
laying them out in such a way that you can't wait to get to
the next chapter to find out what happens.

Well written!
"Roger Ball!" lays it down with such clear, concise
terms that everyone who reads it will have a much better
appreciation of what Naval Aviation is all about and the
contribution it has made to our Nation.

Thanks much for doing
that and bringing back MANY memories of my 30 years in the
Navy - ashore and afloat!"

Roger "Spook" Mcfillen,

Captain, USN (Retired)

Tomcat RIO

10 August 2006

*****

When I assumed command of a fighter squadron in 1989, part of my
brief remarks was a promise to try and lead as I had been taught by
three of my former COs. One of those was Monroe “Hawk” Smith, under
whose command I had learned the truest meaning of the dictum “If
you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right!”

Don Auten’s highly readable biography of “Hawk” is a most welcome
and much needed addition to the personal “fighter pilot library” of
anyone who served at Miramar in the 70’s and 80’s, ever flew the
Tomcat, attended TOPGUN, or served with or Hawk or under his
command. Filled with the names of Miramar and Navy fighter “greats”
known to us all, like Jack Ready, “Hoser” Satrapa, “Bad Fred” Lewis,
“Cobra” Ruliffson, “Thunder Bud” Taylor, “Boomer” Wilson, and many
others, just reading it took me back to the Fightertown flight line,
the LSO platform, the TACTS trailer and the “WOXOF” bar at the
Miramar O’Club.

ROGER BALL details Hawk’s many personal--and
unique--contributions to the fleet introduction of the F-14 Tomcat,
including OT&E, carrier suitability and first fleet CQ, and the
initial thrills (and the initial disappointments…thump…bang!) of
this now-legendary fighter aircraft. The story of his many key
assignments at VX-4, as CAG LSO with the first F-14-equipped
airwing, and during the AIMVAL/ACEVAL projects “fill in the details”
of the early critical days of the aircraft and the community that
would form around it. If others can lay just claim to being “the
father of the Tomcat”, Hawk surely can lay just claim to being one
of the many “midwives” who made the birth and early formative years
so successful.

Similarly, as almost a follow-on to Scream of Eagles: The
Creation of TOPGUN and the U.S. Air Victory in Vietnam (Robert
K. Wilcox, New York, NY, John Wiley & Sons, 1990), Hawk’s time as
first the XO, then the CO of the Navy Fighter Weapons School at
Miramar, is a rich tale of “the best of times and the worst of
times” at Fightertown USA. Those of us who were there will never
forget.

For those many of us who served under Hawk’s fleet command in the
VF-213 “Black Lions”, however, the book cries out for a sequel, as
those years are relegated to almost footnote status. That critical
tour, and all that it contained—firmly etched in our collective
memories as almost nothing else—and Hawk’s post-command and Major
command assignments are all “rolled up” in only the last four pages
of the book. We all eagerly await the much-needed second volume,
perhaps to be called Knowledge Is Good: Delta House Goes To Sea.

...

ROGER BALL is unquestionably the “book of the 2006 summer”
for those of us who never tire of reading about the Naval aviation
greats who created a community, became a legend, and who molded us,
for better or worse, in their own image. For my part, I can only
hope that my own efforts during my times in command did “Hawk” the
honor that was intended.

Reviewed by

Timothy E. “Spike” Prendergast,

Captain, USN
(Retired)

7 August 2006

*****

"Roger Ball!" kept
me chuckling to the very last page. I admit, the acronyms
were, at times, difficult (the glossary helped a lot), but that did
not, in any way, detract from the enjoyment of the story. The
interspersed humor (especially the "mooned" photo episode) made me
laugh out loud.

"Hawk" is certainly a remarkable human being and one we were very
fortunate to have had ... not only serving in our military but also
in contributing so much at almost every level. What a man!

Ms. Mary Jane Johnston

Wife of WWII Marine

14 August 2006

*****

Roger Ball!, the Odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith, is a
“must read” for any young man or woman considering a career in Naval
Aviation. Donald “Duck” Auten pulls no punches in telling the story
of the life of a Naval Aviator – the good times and the bad times.
Reading this book, you’ll get to live the life of an extraordinary
Navy fighter pilot. You’ll experience the training required to
become a Naval officer and then on to flight training. “Hawk”
started his career in the back seat of an F-4 Phantom before he
crossed over to pilot the Phantom and then on to the F-14 Tomcat.
You get the perspective from both seats in the cockpit.

You’ll know what it’s like to join your first squadron and make your
first cruise, the long hard hours at sea away from your loved ones
and a well deserved liberty. You’ll know what it’s like to make a
carrier landing, day or night - any kind of weather, when the
rolling and pitching deck is the only piece of solid ground for
hundreds of miles around. Most of all, you’ll learn what it takes to
be part of a team where your squadron mate’s life depend on you and
your life on them. You’ll share in the camaraderie, the antics, the
thrill of victory and the agony of defeat that can only be found in
these people we call Navy fighter pilots.

Thanks “Hawk” for sharing your life and thanks “Duck” for so
eloquently getting it down on paper.

Art Martin

F-14 Tomcat Association

ALWAYS, BABY …!

20 August 2006

*****

A great read! I served under "HAWK" as his Command Master Chief.
He is a unique person and mentor. He was the right person at the
right time for NAVAL AVIATION, and a PATRIOT, with the courage and
determination to do the things that needed to be done. I would do it
all again if Captain John M. Smith was the boss.

John J. Lynch

CSCM (SS/NAC) USN (Retired)

18 August 2006

*****

In “ROGER
BALL!”, author Donald E. “Duck” Auten tells the story of his friend
and colleague, John Monroe “Hawk” Smith, and in doing so, gives the
reader an insider’s look at naval aviation and aircraft carrier
flight operations. Hawk’s life as a naval aviator reads like a novel
and it becomes obvious that he was one of the driving forces in
shaping our modern Navy. He epitomizes the phrase, “Best of the
Best”. Way to go, Hawk and Duck. A great read!

Pat Gagnebin

USMC, Vietnam ’67 and ’68

12 September 2006

*****

I was married to a Navy Fighter Pilot and we
raised a wonderful family together. We are all still very close.
When he took over as Commanding Officer of an F-14 squadron,
the VF-213 Black Lions in 1978, we felt fortunate to have Monroe and
Miss Jenny on-board as Executive Officer and true "Fighter
Lady". Miss Jenny and I kept the wives together while the men were
at sea and even joined them in the Mediterranean when USS AMERICA
was in port. It was an exciting time of life that I find myself in
awe of - all over again! The whole of Navy Aviation scenarios came
back to life when I was reading "ROGER BALL!" I am
so proud that I had the privilege to play a small role in this
via my husband's career and experiences. It was the best and worst,
happiest and saddest, most thrilling and most lonely of times. But
I wouldn't have wanted to do it any other way. Now I have sisters
and brothers all over the U.S.A. and I want them to read this book
to further understand the incredible lives we led as members of the
elite team of Naval Aviation! I would highly recommend this book to
anyone considering a career in the USAF, Navy, USMC or
Army aviation. Fly Navy!

Ms. Emilie Appelgate

Former Navy Wife - the toughest job in the Navy!

September 2006

*****

Hello Aviation Aficionados!

Just bought a book titled "Roger
Ball". It's the story of a friend, J. Monroe "Hawk" Smith, a
retired Navy Captain and Fighter Pilot. I can't put it down!

It's written by another
retired Naval Aviator, Captain Don Auten, who knows how to put words
together. The book's won the iUniverse's"Editor's
Choice" & "Publisher's Choice" Awards. It's that good.
Do yourself a favor, check it out and get if for yourself or as a gift
for anyone who has "slipped the surly bonds of earth" or anyone
interested in aviation.

It's a winner!

(PS This has been a non-paid
non-political announcement.)

Len Kaine

Captain,
USN (Retired)

Crusader Pilot

President and Founder of the Golden Rule Society

17 September 2006

*****

Roger Ball draws
an accurate picture of life flying jets from Navy
carriers during the ‘60s and ‘70s. It puts you in
the cockpit and makes your heart race! For me,
memories came flooding back. But it’s far more
than an action biography of Hawk’s Navy flying career;
it’s a book on leadership and management and winning and
doing it all with the highest integrity. Roger
Ball is a ‘must buy’ for anyone wanting to improve
his/her leadership and management skills, and, of
course, for anyone who has flown, (or is thinking about
flying,) airplanes with tail hooks.

Dick Pottratz

Commander, USN (Retired)

Commanding Officer
VA-27 Chargers

23 October 2006

*****

The story of Monroe “Hawk” Smith, wonderfully told by Donald
Auten, is a classic tale of challenge, disappointment, and triumph,
set against the action packed backdrop of carrier aviation.

For one who had the great pleasure and privilege of serving with
Hawk, it is particularly gratifying to hear his voice, intonation,
enthusiasm and humor captured so well. You are there as he coaxes
an F-14 Tomcat pilot into a successful crash landing aboard the
carrier Enterprise. He takes you into the air as he duels
some of the world’s best pilots during the development of
transitional weapon systems and tactics. Roger Ball captures
the heart-pounding sweaty-palmed episodes and the resulting
exhilaration of having “cheated death one more time” that all
tailhook aviators have experienced. But this story is more than one
of “turning and burning”; it is one of inspirational leadership,
career changing confrontations, and ultimately one of love of family
and country. It is the story of a man who literally and figuratively
kept his eye on the ball throughout his career – with an unwavering
pursuit of excellence and a twinkle in his steely eyes.

Naval aviation is the better for all of Hawk’s efforts. We who
served with him and those who read his story are better for knowing
such a unique man.

Rick Hauck

Captain, USN (Retired)

NASA Astronaut

24 October 2006

*****

If
you haven’t read the book, “Roger Ball”, you are missing out on
one of the best books written on Naval Aviation from the 1960’s
through the 1990’s. Having known the "Hawk" and Miss Jenny since
1971, when we did the F-4 VTAS Opeval/Techeval at VX-4, Pt Mugu,
Ca and worked with him or for him during the years of testing
the F-14, as his XO at TOPGUN, to following him as XO/CO of the
Black Lions, I read this book with a great deal of interest.

What makes the book so relevant is that Duck has captured the
heart and soul of the man we all fondly knew as “The Hawk” or
“Monroe" the CO. But for all of us with wives, who worked even
harder than we did, you will understand just what makes Miss
Jenny so very special and why the wives I knew wanted to be just
like her.

When so many of us where just trying to do our jobs and
hopefully make a small contribution, Hawk was always leading the
pack. He was never satisfied with knowing the answer to a
problem, he had to make sure the problem was solved and that the
answer and solution were the best possible. You will definitely
walk away after reading "Roger Ball!" with a clear picture of
Hawk’s dedication to excellence and his perseverance no matter
what it might cost him in battling for what was right.

You will really feel the anguish he felt when his career hung
in the balance during the famous Christmas card episode at
TOPGUN. If you didn’t fully appreciate the man that Hawk was by
that part of the book, you sure did after. He was the epitome of
the leader we all strove to be. But even during those trying
times, Miss Jenny was the glue that kept the families together.
Duck has brought her courageous attitude into focus.

I
read this book in a matter of a few days because I couldn’t wait
to see what was next. I am now re-reading it, slowly, to saver
the memories, the humor and the trials and tribulations of Hawk
and Miss Jenny. Read the book and you too will come to love the
man who should have been an Admiral but was more interested in
making Naval Aviation better. You will learn the true value of
having that special woman by your side through the good and the
bad - Miss Jenny set the standard. I don’t know if we will ever
see the likes of them again and that is a shame.

Tom “Kunta” Finta

Captain,
USN [Retired]

TOPGUN Executive Officer

14
December 2006

*****

In October 1980,
as a young Ensign, I checked in to VF-213, for my first of four Fighter
Squadron tours at NAS Miramar and came face to face with my first
skipper, CDR Monroe “Hawk” Smith—a man who was to inspire and mentor
me throughout my career. In the ensuing 26 years, I was to hear
literally hundreds of stories and anecdotes about “Hawk”. I thought
I had heard them all, but didn’t know the half of it.

“Roger Ball!” is a
veritable “Who’s Who” or perhaps rather a “Who Was?” in the Navy’s
fighter community. Hawk thrived in the “eye of the storm”—the
maelstrom that was known as Fighter Town, USA and left his indelible
mark in the annals of Naval Aviation and in the hearts of those he
lead and served with.

“Roger Ball” is
the definitive story of Naval “Carrier” Aviation. It will be of
particular interest to anyone interested in military aviation but
will be easily understood and enjoyed by the layman as well. “Duck”
Auten has done a superlative job of capturing the essence of a truly
great American, John Monroe Smith, and interweaving the details of
his very important life against the backdrop of 50 years of
tumultuous World History.